John S Read – Former Pupil and Teacher (OB 1954-1961 – RIP

It is with great sadness that we report that our friend and former colleague, John Read, passed away on 3rd October, aged 75 years.

John attended QEGS as a pupil from 1954 until 1961 when he went to Imperial College, London, to study for a BSc in Physics followed by a MSc in Geophysics. His first job was for a mining company in Canada but he returned to England to attend teacher training. He took up a teaching post at QEGS in 1970 and remained until his retirement in 2000. He was a talented physicist who loved his subject and he made a significant contribution to general school life. For many years he was the Examination Officer responsible for external examinations, he was a railway enthusiast who worked on the East Lancs railway in his leisure time and assisted with the School Railway Society. A keen swimmer himself, he also assisted at swimming galas and played a key role in the school Scout group.

John continued to support school after his retirement, attending carol concerts, Prize Giving, Founders Day, lunches, dinners and concerts whenever possible. Perhaps his greatest contribution was as the school Archivist where, in a little room in the attic, he researched and documented early school documents and responded to requests for information from within school and beyond.

John was very proud of the school he attended as a boy and served as a member of staff with such distinction. John will be greatly missed by all.

John’s funeral will take place on Monday 22nd October 2018 at 2.15pm at Pleasington Crematorium, Blackburn.